Media Multitasking in Medical Students: A Theory-Based Approach to Understanding this Behavior

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cognitive Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Technology use is prevalent in medical schools.
• The impact of media multitasking on academic performance among medical students is not well understood.
• Previous research focused on general college students, leaving a gap in knowledge for medical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify media multitasking behaviors and related beliefs among medical students.
• To analyze factors influencing media multitasking using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction.
• To assess the correlation between media multitasking and academic performance (course grades).

Main Methods:

• Survey administered to 119 medical students at an institution.
• Collected data on media multitasking extent, beliefs, and course grades.
• Employed hierarchical regression analysis to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Media multitasking is a common behavior among surveyed medical students.
• No significant correlation was found between the extent of media multitasking and course grades.
• Concerns about boredom emerged as a primary cognitive belief driving media multitasking behavior, alongside specific course factors.

Conclusions:

• Media multitasking in medical students is influenced by beliefs (e.g., boredom) and course-specific factors, not directly by academic performance.
• Targeted campaigns addressing boredom and course factors may reduce media multitasking.
• Further research is needed to refine measurement of multitasking behaviors and academic outcomes.